Barcelona are running out of time to sign a striker.
The centre-forward position became a priority for the La Liga champions after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. With Hansi Flick’s backing, sporting director Deco submitted a €100m offer to Atletico Madrid for Alvarez, but it was rejected and there have been no further negotiations since.
Atletico have publicly criticised Barcelona’s approach and even filed complaints with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Fifa over the Catalan club’s pursuit.
Fulltime Herald has covered how Barcelona can move on from the saga with Eli Junior Kroupi as an excellent alternative to Alvarez, but signing the Bournemouth striker is now out of the question after he suffered a foot injury that will keep him out of action for at least three months.
There is still a desire at Camp Nou to sign a striker, and there is still a desire for that striker to be Alvarez, but the club believe their €100m valuation of the player is fair and have no plans to increase their offer simply to force an agreement.
As for Alvarez, he said during the World Cup that he wanted Atletico to negotiate his exit because he believed it would be the best outcome for everyone involved. He did not name Barcelona but reports have strongly suggested that it is his preferred destination amid interest from Arsenal.
But as Atletico continue to reject the possibility of talks, a deal might not be possible. It is time to start considering other options available.
Julián Alvarez.#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/RnNp3gP5nh
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 27, 2025
Do Barcelona need to bring in a player to fill the centre-forward role?
In the absence of a striker, could Flick make do with the options currently available?
The club feel this summer’s recruitment has already improved Flick’s attacking options even without a specialist No 9 arriving. Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon have added pace and flexibility across the front line, with both capable of operating in more than one attacking role.
Alongside them, Flick can also call on Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres if the Spain forward remains at the club. Young prospects Jesse Bisiwu and Hamza Abdelkarim are also viewed as part of Barcelona’s long-term plans. Hamza strengthened his case during pre-season by scoring both goals in the draw against Birmingham City, while Bisiwu is expected to spend more time training with the senior squad.
Dani Olmo offers another solution. The Spain international has occasionally been used as a false nine, which gives Barcelona a different tactical approach when a conventional striker is unavailable.
Torres is regarded as the most natural replacement through the middle. He has already been playing in that position for Barcelona and as of the first half of last season, while he was in form, he was touted to replace Lewandowski.
His movement between defenders, timing inside the penalty area and understanding of Flick’s system make him the closest fit to a traditional centre-forward. A front three featuring Gordon or Raphinha alongside Torres and Lamine Yamal would provide width while allowing Torres to focus on attacking the box.
Ferran Torres is the MVP of the World Cup Final ⭐️
📸 @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ASTzwFHuI9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 19, 2026
There are some questions to be asked regarding whether Torres can consistently provide the physical presence expected of an elite No 9, particularly against teams defending deep. His goalscoring form has also fluctuated, although at 26 he is entering what are often considered a striker’s peak years.
Gordon presents a different profile of player. Naturally a winger, he has experience playing centrally and would offer speed, pressing and direct running behind opposition defences, an approach that could be particularly effective in Champions League matches where opponents leave more space.
Against compact defences, however, Gordon would not offer the same focal point inside the penalty area.
Olmo’s role as a false nine is one other tactical option available for Flick. By dropping into midfield, he can create overloads, link play and open space for runners from midfield and the wing. The trade-off is the absence of a recognised striker occupying central defenders.
Barcelona face a difficult few week ahead thinking up ways to replace Lewandowski, but they always knew it was going to be difficult to do that. If no new players are brought in, they might just be able to cope with current options.
